M and D began care with me in the second trimester of their second pregnancy. M was hoping for a more natural experience this time around. I saw M at 37.2 weeks for her weekly appointment. She asked for an exam. She was 2cm dilated, 70% effaced and baby at a -1 station. M’s first baby came right around his due date so we were anticipating similar to big brother. Two days later, M sent me a text later in the evening saying she had been having contractions all day that were getting a little stronger. She tried the shower and it helped a little. We talked about prodromal labor and M decided she would try to get some rest. 507am the next morning M sent a text telling me her contractions became 7 minutes apart at 10pm the night before, and were now 5 minutes apart, 60-90 seconds long for the last couple of hours. The contractions had kept her awake all night, and she was feeling nauseated. M said she felt some pressure, but she thought it would be a few hours before she needed anyone to come. I was set to teach for a midwifery program that morning and was trying to figure out what I needed to do. I told M I felt I should come and assess things and we could make a plan from there. I arrived at 640am and found M kneeling on her bedroom floor, breathing through a contraction. After observing three contractions, I could tell we were close to having a baby. I did initial vitals and a cervical exam and found M to be 9cm dilated, 100% effaced and baby at a +1 station. I am so thankful that I went ahead and came and did not wait a couple hours! I scurried around setting up birth supplies while M continued her birthing journey. She frequently alternated her position around, instinctively moving around as her body demanded. She alternated getting on her knees with walking around her room. Contractions were coming every 3 minutes, over a minute long. As 8am neared, M was beginning to moan with each contraction. The urge to push was getting strong and M requested to be checked. At 749, M was 10cm, +2 station. M began to push a couple minutes later. M felt most comfortable in a hands and knees position. I gently spoke to her as she pushed, helping her guide that energy to get her baby down and out. D was in position next to me, ready to catch his sweet baby. At 820am as M was pushing during a contraction, her water broke. D and I both could see the baby’s head sitting right on the perineum. Minutes later, the head began to crown. M did wonderful easy baby’s head out. At 825 the head was birthed, followed by the rest of the baby a minute later into D’s awaiting arms. I helped D bring the baby between M’s legs and into her awaiting arms. Welcome to the world Armand, born earth side on October 12, 2015 at 826am, weighing in at 8lbs 12ozs, 20″ long. Such a privilege to serve this sweet family on their birthing journey!

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Helped a strong mama welcome this 9.0# cutie into the world last night. He was quite the stubborn guy, and did not want to come out at home. Mama had a beautiful experience for her delivery at the hospital, and was so strong through her birthing journey. #SacredJourneyMidwifery #midwifelife #Houston #shannonismymidwife ... See MoreSee Less